In addition to a drop-in model that’s meant to be built into an outdoor kitchen, the Broilmaster BSG424N is also available as a freestanding gas grill, though it may be hard to source, depending on where you live. You can also buy the cart directly from the manufacturer.
How we chose the best gas grills
I’ve been writing about grilling for various publications for nearly a decade, and I’ve exhaustively testing seven popular gas grills (as well as charcoal grills and kamado grills) for our sister site Epicurious. I called on Bon Appétit food director Chris Morocco, who grills at home whenever he gets the chance—and has the space to do it thanks to a home base outside New York City. Additionally, I consulted Scott Thomas, a St. Louis-based grilling expert with 33 years of experience who shares recipes, tips, and grilling techniques on his website Grillin’ Fools. Both Morocco and Thomas have used a variety of gas grills… even though they’d if you push them they like charcoal better.
What to look for in a gas grill
Ease of use
Gas grills are supposed to make grilling easier, so if yours is still a hassle, you got the wrong one. The control panel knobs should be intuitive, and it should be easy to empty the grease tray and clean the grates.
BTUs
The best grill, whatever the type, gets hot. Really hot. On a gas grill that capacity is measured in BTUs (British thermal units), so the higher the BTUs the better the grilling experience. That said, infrared features—which use metal or ceramic materials to direct heat more efficiently and effectively—can make up for lower BTUs.
Price point
Unless you plan to spend a lot of money on a built-in grill with a really long warranty, keep in mind that grills live outside, so even the best gas grill will need to be replaced eventually. If you take really good care of it, you could get 10 or 15 years of use, but it’s smart to bank on a 5-year lifespan for most models,so plan your budget accordingly.
Size
Beyond the grill’s footprint, think about what kind of grilling surface you need. If you’re only cooking outdoors for a few people at a time, you can get away with a smaller grill with two burners. But if your new grill acquisition means you’re now in charge of hosting all of the family or neighborhood cookouts, you’ll want enough room for ten burgers, 20 hot dogs, etc. In that case, you’ll want something in the neighborhood of 500-700 square inches of primary cooking space. That’s different from the measurement of the total cooking space, which usually includes a second rack (sometimes called a warming rack) that can be used for toasting, warming, and cooking foods that require lower or indirect heat. Some grills also have a side burner that you can toss a cast iron skillet on.
Materials
When it comes to something that lives outdoors, durability is key, and a good gas grill is made with quality materials that can stand up to the elements, as well as lots of high-heat cooking. Look for materials like stainless steel and porcelain coatings as signs that your grill will hold up to heavy use.
Acquisition and assembly
If you order a gas grill online, you still need to get it home. Many retailers offer free shipping, while others will offer pickup or delivery from a local store. Some even offer assembly, but if the grill is being shipped to you, you’ll need to assemble it yourself. Assembly is rarely complicated—large pieces come pre-assembled, but it will require two people.
Repair options
Big name brands aren’t the best option for every purchase, but they’re usually a good bet for gas grills. That’s because if you end up needing to make a repair or replace a part, it’s usually easy to get what you need through the manufacturer or to pick it up at a major retailer like Amazon, Walmart or Home Depot.
Wanna know what to do with your new grill? We’ve got thoughts
Looking for more grill recommendations? Check out our reviews of all types of grills, including the best charcoal grills, the best kamado grills, the best portable grills (including portable gas grills), and the best pellet grills at our sister site Epicurious.
Emily Farris has been writing about grilling for nearly a decade and really wants you to stop cleaning your grill with wire brushes.
